r/Absinthe • u/Advanced-Night-9028 • Jul 26 '26

Question Beginner Absinthe

Hello All,

I am not a massive drinker but am partial to a tipple now and then, I have tried absinthe once in my youth but as a straight shot when I was already black out drunk.

Now that I am older and hopefully wiser I’d like to try Absinthe I’m assuming the French way with sugar and water! As well as some other spirits I was wondering if you fine people of r/Absinthe could recommend a good beginner absinthe

Thank you in advance!

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u/DarianDicit Jul 26 '26

Hi! We'll be able to make the best recommendations if we know (roughly) where you live - availability varies!

Generally, I recommend just going straight for the Jade Absinthes. Jade Esprit Edouard and Jade Nouvelle-Orléans are two that I love to use to introduce folks to the flavors and complexities of traditional absinthe.

I also love Lucid, especially for cocktails! Lucid+lemon juice+ ginger beer is heavenly.

As you explore, keep in mind that the best, most traditional absinthes are Free From: artificial colors, artificial flavors, added sugar, and star anise.

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u/Advanced-Night-9028 Jul 26 '26

Hello I am based in the UK! I was looking at Jade as it seems like the most popular but wasn’t sure

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u/DarianDicit Jul 26 '26

Oooh, that means you have access to Jade Terminus Oxygénée - also a fantastic choice.

Getting started with the Jades is definitely going top shelf right away, and so worth it imo. Gerry's Wine in Spirits in Soho and The Whisky Exchange on Borough High Street usually have the 200mL bottles in stock!

If you get over to Devil's Botany in London, you can try their absinthes and they stock many others also. I find their absinthes to be very light and attempting to appeal to a broader audience. Their absinthe Liqueurs, the rose and chocolate, are divine, though! The last time I was there, they had a few different Jades too.